LaHood news comes as shock to area lawmakers

Friday

Jul 27, 2007 at 12:01 AMJul 27, 2007 at 1:14 PM

Local and area lawmakers give their thoughts on the unexpected news that U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, is expected to announce he will not seek an eighth term as congressmen. They note his commitment to his district and wonder who will be able to fill those shoes.

Karen McDonald and Jacqueline Koch

Area political leaders were surprised Thursday to learn of U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood’s announcement of his pending retirement — though some denoted the timing made sense — and were quick to offer accolades of his commitment to service.

"I really think it hurts our area because Ray LaHood just did an excellent job as a congressman. He was respected by both sides of the aisle. We’re going to be hard pressed to replace him," said state Sen. Dale Risinger, R-Peoria. "He kept his finger on the pulse of the people of what their needs were and wants were."

Former Peoria Mayor Jim Maloof said LaHood demonstrates the ideals to which every legislator should aspire.

"His commitment to service, to his constituency, to his party, to his country all came first and Ray second," Maloof said. "And that is what I wish we had more of in Washington D.C."

As mayor from 1985 to 1997, Maloof worked with LaHood when he was former Congressman Bob Michel’s assistant, as well as a state representative in the 1980s.

"Ray has done so much for our area, for our state, for our America," Maloof said, citing Interstate 474 and millions of dollars to Bradley University, area hospitals and Caterpillar, Inc., among others, as major contributions to the area.

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis said LaHood has been instrumental in helping Peoria gain funding for road projects and initiatives. He thinks it’ll be difficult to replace LaHood and his ability to stay above partisan politics.

During his tenure, LaHood also acted as a supporter and patron of the arts, officials said. Organizing the Museum Collaboration Committee in Peoria seven years ago, LaHood and local arts leaders presented a united front to try to secure federal dollars for the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

"He genuinely supports the arts. His record stands behind it," said Jim Richerson, Lakeview’s president and CEO.

After collecting $1.5 million in federal dollars for the project over the past three years, LaHood recently earmarked $500,000 for the $65 million facility in 2006 though the proposal never passed the Senate floor. Even with his pending retirement, Richerson said he hoped the Peoria Republican will carry on his involvement and employ his political clout to see the project through.

"I hope he will continue to use that influence," Richerson said. "I can’t believe Ray won’t follow that path."

Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria, touted LaHood’s work ethic.

"I have had the privilege of travelling to many of the counties in his district and it’s clear that’s he’s highly regarded as one of the hardest working members of Congress," he said.

Ardis said he was surprised by the timing of LaHood’s decision, but not the choice itself.

"He’s a family man and it really takes its toll," Ardis said. "If you sit around waiting for the best time to leave one of those jobs, you never go. I’m happy for him and his family."